Category: Surprised by Suffering
The Greatest Dilemma: God is Just, and You are Not
"Nobody's perfect". Invariably everybody says that old adage, everybody knows it. In some sense "Nobody's perfect" has become the credo of most people. But isn't it interesting that nobody's worried about it? We take that statement for granted far too much that we totally miss the implications that lie therein. Dear beloved, the most frightening thing we can consider about ourselves as fleshly, human beings is that we are not perfect. ...
The Greatest Dilemma: God is Just, and You are Not
"Nobody's perfect". Invariably everybody says that old adage, everybody knows it. In some sense "Nobody's perfect" has become the credo of most people. But isn't it interesting that nobody's worried about it? We take that statement for granted far too much that we totally miss the implications that lie therein. Dear beloved, the most frightening thing we can consider about ourselves as fleshly, human beings is that we are not perfect. ...
Two Ways to Die: in Sin, or in Faith. Which One Are You Taking?
The ultimate statistic for all men everywhere concerns not social issues or economic paradigms, but it has to do with what is beyond the here and now, the consummation of all being, death. Ten out of ten people die. And there are only two ways for any person to die. Whether it is in sin or in faith. How about you dear reader? The "ifs" or the "whens" of death are inevitable things. The "how" is ...
Two Ways to Die: in Sin, or in Faith. Which One Are You Taking?
The ultimate statistic for all men everywhere concerns not social issues or economic paradigms, but it has to do with what is beyond the here and now, the consummation of all being, death. Ten out of ten people die. And there are only two ways for any person to die. Whether it is in sin or in faith. How about you dear reader? The "ifs" or the "whens" of death are inevitable things. The "how" is ...
“Though He Slay Me, Yet Will I Trust Him”
We live in a sad and dying world. Though as Christians we are promised joy and peace that surpasses understanding, many, many moments in our lives will we experience trials in great severities. Many times will we cry out, "Why God? Why me? Why this? Why now?" And in many moments we are overcome with grief and depression, our hope and joy is lost. But should it be so? Is not that which Scripture tells of ...
“Though He Slay Me, Yet Will I Trust Him”
We live in a sad and dying world. Though as Christians we are promised joy and peace that surpasses understanding, many, many moments in our lives will we experience trials in great severities. Many times will we cry out, "Why God? Why me? Why this? Why now?" And in many moments we are overcome with grief and depression, our hope and joy is lost. But should it be so? Is not that which Scripture tells of ...
What Have I Done to Deserve to Suffering?
One of the marks of the Christian life is suffering, but is it not true that the problem of suffering is as much considered outside of the Christian world as it is amongst Christians? Prior to conversion I am sure the question "What have I done to deserve this?" has rolled out of your lips at least once in your time. We set ourselves in labor to demand fairness and justice from our fellow man, ...
What Have I Done to Deserve to Suffering?
One of the marks of the Christian life is suffering, but is it not true that the problem of suffering is as much considered outside of the Christian world as it is amongst Christians? Prior to conversion I am sure the question "What have I done to deserve this?" has rolled out of your lips at least once in your time. We set ourselves in labor to demand fairness and justice from our fellow man, ...
Called to Suffer with Him, Die with Him and be Raised with Him
Is there purpose in suffering? If there is, what is the ultimate purpose of suffering? What is the overarching reason for suffering in the lives of believers? Is conformity to the image of the Lord Christ Jesus the ultimate end? As glorious a grace it is for God to be patient with His people to work death in them that spiritual life in them may be given greater life, I'm convinced that it pales in comparison ...
Called to Suffer with Him, Die with Him and be Raised with Him
Is there purpose in suffering? If there is, what is the ultimate purpose of suffering? What is the overarching reason for suffering in the lives of believers? Is conformity to the image of the Lord Christ Jesus the ultimate end? As glorious a grace it is for God to be patient with His people to work death in them that spiritual life in them may be given greater life, I'm convinced that it pales in comparison ...
“Nevertheless”: The Supreme Prayer of Faith
Surely there's not a man that lived on this earth who is remotely close to being worthy to be given relief in this life than the Lord Jesus Christ, yet even to the Son, God said "no". How would you fare, dear reader, when confronted with indescribable pain and suffering? Does your faith, your theology and your character allow you to be prepared to accept such affliction purposed by God? Or would you, like many miserable ...
“Nevertheless”: The Supreme Prayer of Faith
Surely there's not a man that lived on this earth who is remotely close to being worthy to be given relief in this life than the Lord Jesus Christ, yet even to the Son, God said "no". How would you fare, dear reader, when confronted with indescribable pain and suffering? Does your faith, your theology and your character allow you to be prepared to accept such affliction purposed by God? Or would you, like many miserable ...
The Cup of the Wrath of God That Will Never Touch Our Lips
“He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed”—Matthew 26:37 Sorrow and deep distress marked the inner spirit of Jesus as He entered into prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. This moment marked a time of intense agony for Him. He was nearing the climax of His Great Passion. The Great Passion of Jesus was the focal point of His divine vocation. No one was ever called by God to greater suffering than that suffering to which ...
The Cup of the Wrath of God That Will Never Touch Our Lips
“He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed”—Matthew 26:37 Sorrow and deep distress marked the inner spirit of Jesus as He entered into prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. This moment marked a time of intense agony for Him. He was nearing the climax of His Great Passion. The Great Passion of Jesus was the focal point of His divine vocation. No one was ever called by God to greater suffering than that suffering to which ...
The Valley of the Shadow of Death
There is a path that must be journeyed for every Christian. There is a life that must be lived. There is a race that must be run. All of which must be done within the valley, the valley of the shadow of death. There is no other path toward the Celestial city but this. All must go through this valley. But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who ...
The Valley of the Shadow of Death
There is a path that must be journeyed for every Christian. There is a life that must be lived. There is a race that must be run. All of which must be done within the valley, the valley of the shadow of death. There is no other path toward the Celestial city but this. All must go through this valley. But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who ...
I Have Fought the Good Fight, Finished the Race, Kept the Faith.
We will never know what life has in store for us in any given year, in any given month, in any given day. Severe trials may overtake us when we least expect them. When times of joy are circling around us, suddenly tragedy occurs. How many of us would be able to confess with the dear apostle the very same words: "I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept ...
I Have Fought the Good Fight, Finished the Race, Kept the Faith.
We will never know what life has in store for us in any given year, in any given month, in any given day. Severe trials may overtake us when we least expect them. When times of joy are circling around us, suddenly tragedy occurs. How many of us would be able to confess with the dear apostle the very same words: "I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept ...